Love & Respect

Idea Suggestion
As a date night discussion guide

Value
Helps husbands and wives become intentional about meeting their mate’s greatest need

Preparation
Schedule a dinner or coffee date
Each spouse should listen to the 20 minute “Love and Respect in Marriage” talk by Dr. Emerson
Eggerichs. (Find the free download on iTunes at HomePointe podcast “Love & Respect.”) If you
want to go further, read Dr. Eggerich’s book Love & Respect, available in the Tallowood Bookshop
and Library.
Each spouse should spend a few minutes writing down answers to the questions ahead of time.

During The Date

Spend 15 minutes discussing your answers to the following questions.

Getting Honest about Love and Respect

HUSBANDS
Read aloud Ephesians 5:25-28 and answer the following questions…
Do you agree that your wife’s primary marital need is to be cherished by you?
What are some of the ways you try to show her sacrificial love?
What are 2-3 ways she needs you to show love but that you might find difficult?
What do you think your wife would say if invited to offer a few “baby step” suggestions on better
meeting her needs?

WIVES
Read aloud Ephesians 5:22-24 and answer the following questions…
 Do you agree that your husband needs to feel respected?
What are some of the ways you try to show that you admire and respect him?
What are 2-3 things he would appreciate but might be more difficult for you to do?
What do you think your husband would say if invited to offer a few “baby step” suggestions on
better meeting his needs?

TOGETHER
Read aloud Ephesians 5:31-33. Then hold hands and pray these words…
Dear God:
Help us to better fulfill the purpose of our marriage by modeling the relationship between Christ
and His Bride.
Amen

© 2009 Inkling Innnovations